Bloat refers to gastric dilatation, where the stomach becomes enlarged with gas, food or fluid. In some cases, the enlarged stomach then rotates or twists, which is known as gastric volvulus.
When this occurs, the blood supply to the stomach and surrounding organs can be compromised. The pressure created by the enlarged stomach can also interfere with breathing and circulation.
GDV can progress rapidly and requires immediate veterinary attention. If you suspect your dog may have bloat, don't wait to see whether the symptoms settle on their own.
Signs of bloat in dogs
Early signs can include:
- Restlessness or anxiety
- Drooling
- Abdominal discomfort
- A swollen or distended abdomen
- Repeated attempts to vomit without producing anything
- Pacing or stretching
- Rapid breathing
As the condition progresses, dogs may become weak, collapse or have difficulty breathing.
If your dog is showing signs that could indicate GDV, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
What causes bloat in dogs?
There isn't one single cause of GDV. It is considered a multifactorial condition, meaning several factors may contribute to a dog's risk.
Dogs may have an increased risk if they:
- Have a deep or narrow chest
- Are a large or giant breed
- Eat one large meal a day
- Eat very quickly
- Are older
- Have a close relative that has experienced GDV
- Have a lean body condition
- Experience significant stress or anxiety
Some dietary factors have also been associated with increased risk, although the relationship between diet and GDV is complex and not simply a case of feeding one particular type of food.
Does drinking water cause bloat?
You may have heard that drinking cold water after eating causes bloat. There isn't good evidence to support cold water itself as a specific trigger for GDV.
Fresh drinking water should generally remain available to dogs. In fact, restricting water after meals isn't something we'd recommend as a general strategy for preventing bloat.
Can bloat in dogs be prevented?
There is no way to completely eliminate the risk of GDV, particularly in dogs that are genetically or physically predisposed to the condition.
However, some measures may help reduce risk.
Feed smaller, more frequent meals
Rather than feeding one very large meal each day, dividing your dog's daily food allowance into two or more smaller meals may help reduce the amount of food entering the stomach at once.
Slow down fast eaters
Dogs that gulp their food may benefit from strategies designed to slow eating, such as appropriate slow-feeding bowls or feeding methods.
Avoid strenuous exercise around meals
Avoid vigorous exercise immediately before or after eating, particularly in dogs that are at increased risk of GDV.
Consider your dog's individual diet
A fresh, moisture-rich diet can be one option for feeding your dog and may be appropriate for many animals when it is complete and balanced.
However, it is too simplistic to say that dry food causes bloat or that feeding fresh meat prevents it. The relationship between diet and GDV is more complicated, and there are multiple recognised risk factors.
If you choose to feed dry food, soaking it before feeding may be an option for some dogs, but it should not be considered a guaranteed method of preventing GDV.
What about high-risk breeds?
If you have a large or giant breed dog, particularly one with a deep chest, it is worth discussing their individual GDV risk with your veterinarian.
For dogs considered particularly high risk, prophylactic gastropexy may be recommended. This is a surgical procedure that attaches the stomach to the abdominal wall to help prevent the stomach from twisting. It does not prevent the stomach from becoming distended, but it can prevent the life-threatening volvulus component of GDV.
The most important thing to remember
While there are steps you can take to reduce your dog's risk, GDV cannot always be predicted or prevented.
Knowing the warning signs is just as important as considering prevention. A swollen abdomen, repeated unproductive retching, restlessness, excessive drooling or sudden weakness can be signs of GDV.
If you suspect your dog has bloat, seek emergency veterinary attention immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to improve.